10 Best Online Schools for Doctoral Degrees in Social Work (DSW)

There are three types of doctoral degrees in Social Work: an Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), which is designed to train students to become high-quality instructors in higher education institutions; a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) which is a research-focused path; and a Doctor of Social Work, in which students specialize in clinical practice. Social Work is a crucial area of the mental health field that assists individuals with a variety of issues to function as a normal part of society.

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Methodology:

Here at Online-Phd-Degrees.com, we have chosen to list the 10 Best Online Schools for Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) degree programs in random order for your viewing pleasure. These ten institutions give individuals state-of-the-art online coursework in the social work discipline. You’re sure to find a school that will meet your needs for a doctoral program steeped rich in the most up-to-date practices in Social Work and more. The following online degree components were considered:

100% Online or Hybrid Availability; utilizing innovative learning and support through asynchronous and synchronous coursework, online resources and close communication with student support, faculty, as well as, online discussion boards with fellow students,

Accelerated classwork to accommodate working professionals,

Specialization options designed to instill intense knowledge in the field of Social Work practices,

Adheres to proper Accreditation,

Versatile degree program leading to advanced practitioners in a wide variety of fields, such as speech therapy, nursing, working with veterans, private counseling, school counseling, as well as, a teaching career or other advancements in leadership,

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE

Program Standouts:
Revered as one of the finest and most popular online Doctor of Social Work programs in the nation, the University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers a degree focused around Clinical Practice and Leadership. The program is designed for working professionals and engages students in providing services to at-risk populations in a variety of settings.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master in Social Work representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and three references. Applicants must demonstrate information technology skills. TOEFL scores are required from applicants who use English as a second language.

Sampling of Coursework:

Neuroscience for Clinical Practice

Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I and II

Degree Outcomes:
This DSW from UTK involves intensive accelerated coursework that enables students to satisfy all degree requirements in three years, with minimal impact on their time. Students gain highly enhanced methods of practice in clinical social work and develop an even stronger network of peers and professionals throughout their experiences as a UTK student.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

Program Standouts:
The University of St. Thomas’ online Doctor of Social Work is another of the most celebrated in the entire country, and the school’s popularity is reflected in their impressive retention rate. The curriculum is designed to bridge a gap in the doctoral field of social work in order to focus on preparing social work graduates for college-level instruction.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a personal statement.

Sampling of Coursework:

Social Work Education

Pedagogies in Social Work Education: Theory and Practice

Career Development Practicum

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this outstanding online program are prepared to: develop the face of a scholar-practitioner, engage in life-changing teaching skills, pen for publication, and pursue social justice through leadership and service. This collaborative program with St. Kate’s gives students only the most excellent opportunities and resources.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Program Standouts:
According to the program website, which can be found below, the University of Southern California is hailed as the first among other elite research universities to offer a Doctor of Social Work degree in an online format. The coursework prepares scholar-practitioner students to develop innovative solutions that solve real-world problems.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and GRE or GMAT scores.

Sampling of Coursework:

Managing Innovation and Change in Social Work

Leading Public Discourse in Social Work

Informatics and Social Innovation

Degree Outcomes:
This coursework is specifically designed for students who are looking to significantly impact their practice. Graduates are set to participate in and to lead conversations on boundless topics such as foster care, homelessness, and violence. These individuals have the ability to formulate strategic plans and pitch ideas to panels of experts.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Program Standouts:
The University of Pennsylvania is an incredibly successful school, which is reflected in their outstanding, nearly 100% retention rate, as well as their challenging acceptance rate. This curriculum prepares all manner of social work professionals for directorship in cutting-edge social work practice and teaching.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, and an application essay.

Sampling of Coursework:

Social Work Theory

Applied Statistics

Clinical Practice I, II, and III

Degree Outcomes:
UPenn graduates are sought after social work doctors who are exquisitely trained and well-respected leaders, educators, and experts in this field. The coursework further prepares social work professionals to engage in a fulfilling, rewarding career path and make crucial research and practice contributions to the profession.

WALDEN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Walden University is an incredibly successful online school that produces some of the finest distance education programs in the world. The online Doctor of Social work prepares students to become authoritative advocates for social justice and develop the ability to affect positive social change and address numerous challenges within the field.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree.

Program Options:

Addictions and Social Work

Clinical Expertise

Criminal Justice

Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention

Family Studies and Intervention

Medical Social Work

Policy Practice

Social Work Administration

Degree Outcomes:
Depending on their area of specialization, Walden graduates are able to achieve many different accomplishments in the field of social work. Alumni have gone on to work as leaders in agencies and organizations, program directors, evaluators of social work practice and agencies, and supervisors in social work organizations.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Baylor University offers online students a Ph.D. in Social Work that is designed to develop leaders and educators who can “lead visionary social work education or service programs and conduct original research addressing complex social issues.” There is a specific focus toward integration of religion and faith.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree, GRE scores, a personal statement, a sample of scholarly writing, a current résumé or CV, and three letters of recommendation.

Sampling of Coursework:

Theory and Model Development for Social Work Practice

Christianity, Ethics, and Social Work

Qualitative Research for Social Work

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Baylor University have the education and skill to serve in academic research and teaching positions in social work programs; and serve as leaders in the movement and private agencies around the world! Alumni have a keen understanding of the ethics, values, and practices of the social work profession.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
The Florida Atlantic University online Doctor of Social Work is intended to train “Scholarly Clinicians” in preparation for practice-oriented clinical leadership and critical thinking at the doctoral level. This highly accommodating and experience-rich curriculum works well with individual schedules while providing the highest level of education.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended including a Master’s in Social Work degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, GRE scores, a personal statement, a sample of scholarly writing, a current résumé or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a criminal background check.

Sampling of Coursework:

Clinical Social Work Research and Statistics

Evaluating and Interpreting Social Work Research

Clinical Social Work Supervision, Management, and Administration

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from FAU have gone on to assume leadership positions in a variety of positions and settings such as clinical practice, administrations and academia. A wide selection of coursework prepares alumni for the myriad roles involved within careers in social work.

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Liberty University is one of the most popular and highly-regarded online schools among many, offering a unique and exciting Ed.D. in Community Care and Counseling with several specialization options. Liberty University’s curricula are founded on the mores and tenets of Christianity, giving students access to faith and religion in their coursework.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended, and a statement of purpose. TOEFL scores are required from applicants who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Marriage and Family

Pastoral Care and Counseling

Traumatology

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this program have the training and preparation to become social workers, outpatient therapists, trauma counselors, church counselors, and marriage and family counselors. Through Liberty University’s challenging coursework, these doctoral students have the knowledge and skill to become social justice advocates!

THE INSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK

Program Standouts:
This online program is revered as one of the finest Ph.D. in Social Work degrees available and is supported by an institution whose sole mission is to provide education in this particular field of study. Coursework incorporates advanced clinical practice, theoretical study, and research experience.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended with a Masters in Social Work degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current résumé and CV with relevant experience, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and proof of current licensure.

Sampling of Coursework:

Clinical Process and Technique: The Therapeutic Situation

Perspectives on Trauma and Neuropsychology

Traditions of Inquiry in the Social Sciences

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program have an incredibly solid understanding of psychodynamic theory, clinical practice and various frameworks, and have applied for a clinical scholarship. Each individual sharpens and enhances verbal and written communication skills to prepare for clinical reports necessary for presentation, documentation, consultation, and publication.

KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
The Kutztown University online Doctor of Social Work coursework prepares leaders and teachers via heightened leadership and transformational opportunities to dig deeper and develop themselves as highly regarded scholars and practitioners. The program is focused around assembling educators and leaders for professional career advancement.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended with a Bachelors or a Masters in Social Work degree, a current résumé and CV with relevant experience, a statement of purpose, and a five-page statement addressing the current state of knowledge.

Sampling of Coursework:

Multivariate Analysis

Leadership/Teaching Praxis I and II

The Social Work Teacher-Scholar I and II

Degree Outcomes:
Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to this superb online program that keenly develops individuals’ skills in instruction and leadership. The coursework was designed around working professionals so that students can actively improve their careers through scholarly research and practice.